John Raymond Vorst

John R. Vorst, 84, of Farmingville, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2019. John was born in Manhattan on March 11, 1935 to the late John and Rosaleen Vorst. He graduated in 1953 from Bishop Laughlin Memorial High School, where he made friendships that would last the rest of his life. Following graduation, he served in the Army AUS Artillery from 1956-1958. John earned his BA at Manhattan College, and then his MA at Adelphi University.
He met his beloved wife, Patricia, when they worked at Gertz Department store. They married on May 6, 1967. John adopted Patti’s two children, Michael and Karen, from her first marriage, and welcomed their own daughter, Katherine, on March 6, 1969. Upon Patti’s passing from breast cancer in 1979, John embraced the role of a loving widowed father.
John found love again with his life partner and best friend, Judi Sykes. John and Judi traveled the world together creating many special memories. John relished a good meal, and shared that love with Judi, every Friday night, dining in many fabulous restaurants. They spent 32 years of their lives together. John loved his backyard and enjoyed hosting barbecues for friends and their blended family.
John retired as Assistant Director of Child Protective Services of Suffolk County in 1990. In retirement, John was able to focus on his love of tennis, playing regularly with the guys, who became true and wonderful friends. John had a quick, sarcastic wit that would keep you laughing. He was generous, merciful, kind and outgoing. He was always a good sport. John was a lifelong Yankees fan, attending many games as a young boy, with his father. He was a faithful parishioner at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton. John looked forward to spending time with and spoiling his granddaughters.
John is survived by his partner Judi Sykes, his daughter, Katherine Riberdy and her husband Andrew, his grandchildren Jacqueline and Gabrielle, his two children Michael Vorst and Karen Collins, step-daughter, Debbie Sykes Goulette and her husband Steve, sister Jean Stephens, nieces Deirdre and Kristen, and nephew George.
He loved and was loved deeply, and he will be missed.
The burden of John’s long and difficult struggle with congestive heart failure was eased by the wonderful staff at Good Shepherd Hospice.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 28, from 2-4pm and 7-9pm at Moloney Funeral Home in Lake Ronkonkoma. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton RC Church on Wednesday, May 29, at 9:45am. Burial will follow at Calverton National Cemetery. Reception to follow. www.moloneyfh.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or Bishop Laughlin Memorial High School in John’s memory.